Li Genmiao was precisely hoping for chaos within the Daoist sect. The more chaotic it was, the more opportunities he would have to rise.
The Old Celestial Master had been dead for only seven days, and the Daoist sect was already showing signs of instability.
Long Feicheng said with a troubled expression, "Brother Yan, why do you think Li Genmiao can so easily lead so many people to attack the mountain, while we, the Xuanmen, struggle to defend even this small territory despite our best efforts?"
"To be a good person requires doing many good deeds, self-restraint, and controlling desires. To be a bad person, however, only requires committing one bad deed. The saying 'the Dao cannot be lightly passed on' has its reasons," Yan Shouyi sighed. "That's why our folk sects rarely establish themselves. We must not only impart the Dao but also teach people how to be. Only after learning to be a person can one truly grasp the formidable skills."
Lin Zitong scoffed, "Little Long, look at this vast Daoist sect. They diligently study the words of the sages every day. Yet, beneath their hypocritical facade, each one harbors wolfish ambitions. The Celestial Master is barely dead, and they can no longer conceal it. These people will inevitably be swayed by Li Genmiao and become part of his ranks."
Yan Shouyi said softly, "This will depend on how Yu Lumen corrects the disorder."
The discussions continued.
"The Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain has openly engaged in demonic practices. It is difficult for us not to suspect that Longhu Mountain has been infiltrated by outside forces!"
"If that is the case, on what grounds can Longhu Mountain continue to be the supreme authority of all Daoist traditions?!"
"I believe the position of Celestial Master should no longer be held by someone from Longhu Mountain!"
"I nominate True Person Wang of the Tiandi Temple on Qilian Mountain to succeed the Celestial Master!"
"I believe Pavilion Master Liu of the Jingtiao Pavilion on Kunlun Mountain has a greater chance!"
"Mr. Zhao of Genshan Island is also a good candidate!"
Amidst the clamor, the crowd began to debate who should inherit the position of Celestial Master, completely disregarding Yu Lumen.
Furthermore, the names they proposed were a chaotic mix, with some not even being members of the Daoist sect!
A funeral had devolved into utter pandemonium.
Yu Lumen, unaccustomed to social interactions, found himself bewildered by the scene.
Just then, someone shouted:
"The rules for Celestial Master succession were established by the Old Celestial Master, and all the sects and factions agreed. How is it that with the Old Celestial Master's death, you all turn your backs on the agreement! Where is the integrity of your renowned sects? Have you stuffed your scriptures into the bellies of dogs? Have you no shame?"
The crowd, which had been excitedly shouting moments before, suddenly changed expression, denouncing the speaker as impolite and demanding that the person reveal themselves and apologize.
But the scene was too chaotic; who knew who had spoken?
Amidst the questioning and curses from the crowd, Yan Shouyi slowly walked onto the Wanfa Zongtan.
"Everyone, stop looking. I was the one who spoke just now," Yan Shouyi said calmly.
The crowd erupted in anger: "Yan Shouyi, you are not even considered one of us Daoists. You are merely from a folk sect. What right do you have to point fingers at us and interfere in our Daoist affairs?!"
"When you are in the thick of it, it's hard to see clearly, but an outsider's perspective is often more objective. Precisely because I am not a Daoist, my words are more pertinent. What others are too embarrassed to say, I can say; what others dare not say, I dare!" Yan Shouyi stated coldly. "The people who spoke just now, every single one of them, are disgraces to the Dao!"
"Insolent brat!"
"Unbelievable!"
"Our Daoist sect cannot tolerate you, Yan Shouyi!"
From below, Long Feicheng chuckled, "After all, they are all cultured people. Their insults are so mild and unconvincing."
Abbess Guanyun frowned and said to Yan Chou, "Won't you stop your son? He has just angered half the Daoist sect."
"Why should I stop my son from doing what is right?" Yan Chou asked with a smile.
Abbess Guanyun was left speechless and could only shake her head with a wry smile.
Wen Yuxian chuckled, "Shouyi's temperament is truly like his mother's."
Seeing Yan Shouyi standing up for him, Yu Lumen felt touched. However, he did not want to implicate Yan Shouyi and whispered next to him,
"Yan Shouyi, I can handle this myself."
Yan Shouyi turned back and said, "You can, but it will be difficult. I believe the Old Celestial Master wanted me to befriend you precisely so that I could lend you a hand in times of crisis."
Yu Lumen blinked in surprise.
Yan Shouyi turned back and declared loudly,
"Only those who possess the Longhu Secret Script and win the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony are qualified to succeed the Celestial Master!"
"Everyone, please look!"
A golden rune suddenly appeared on Yan Shouyi's forehead; it was his Longhu Secret Script!
The crowd could not help but gasp in amazement.
They had not expected Yan Shouyi to be the one outside of Longhu Mountain who possessed the Longhu Secret Script, as mentioned by the Old Celestial Master!
"Lumen, it's your turn," Yan Shouyi reminded him.
Hearing this, Yu Lumen quickly revealed his own Longhu Secret Script.
The appearance of two possessors of the Longhu Secret Script simultaneously was truly astonishing.
Liu Yiren seized the moment and shouted, "This means that the victor of your contest will be able to succeed the Celestial Master!"
"Precisely!"
Yan Shouyi turned to face Yu Lumen and then clasped his fists. "Seven days ago, I fought fiercely with a demonic being and was gravely wounded. I am no longer capable of further combat, so I withdraw myself from this Celestial Master competition!"
"Therefore, the champion of the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony – is you, Yu Lumen!"
After speaking, Yan Shouyi stared intently at Yu Lumen.
His gaze seemed to convey: This is as far as I can help you.
Yu Lumen quickly understood Yan Shouyi's meaning, and his spirit began to soar.
To become the Celestial Master, the so-called Longhu Secret Script and Luo Tian Grand Ceremony were merely minor hurdles.
The true obstacle lay in how to win over these "fellow Daoists" before him!
With newfound clarity, Yu Lumen silently picked up the Old Celestial Master's urn.
He turned and, step by step, ascended the high steps before the Celestial Master Hall. Finally, he entered the hall and approached the Celestial Master's chair.
Under everyone's gaze, Yu Lumen sat down on the Celestial Master's chair and said coldly,
"The position of Celestial Master rests beneath me. Whoever is unconvinced, step forward and challenge me!"
"If I lose, I shall naturally relinquish the position of Celestial Master!"
Challenge Yu Lumen?
The crowd suddenly became excited.
They couldn't defeat the previous Zhang Yin, so were they afraid of defeating a mere Yu Lumen now?
Although Yu Lumen was the champion of the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony, many of those present were senior Daoist figures. No matter how inferior, they should be stronger than the younger disciples!
Thus, someone immediately rolled up their sleeves, preparing to step forward and challenge him.
However, Yu Lumen suddenly raised his hand and recited in a deep voice:
"Heavenly thunder rumbles, divine thunder booms. Dragon thunder surges, water thunder crashes. Spirit commands thunder and fire, lightning strikes horizontally. Divine might unleashed, cutting down evil spirits. The Supreme commands, to be carried out with utmost urgency!"
The Five Thunders Orthodox Method!
Boom!!!
Boom!!!
Boom!!!
Boom!!!
Boom!!!
In an instant, five bolts of heavenly lightning struck down simultaneously, hitting the Celestial Master Hall!
The entire Celestial Master Hall was bathed in golden lightning, and Yu Lumen, seated on the Celestial Master's chair, exuded a dignified presence that inspired submission!
This was the Golden Thunder Refinement of the Crown!
The crowd, gazing at the Celestial Master Hall enveloped by golden lightning and at this transformed Yu Lumen, was suddenly dumbfounded.
What was happening?
Why had Yu Lumen suddenly become so powerful?!
If he was not yet on par with the Old Celestial Master Zhang Yin, he was at least stronger than many elders of Longhu Mountain!
Could we… could we really win if we stepped forward to challenge him?
Those who had intended to challenge Yu Lumen silently put down their sleeves and retracted their steps.
Outside the Wanfa Zongtan, in front of the Celestial Master Hall, hundreds of people from the Daoist sect, not a single one dared to step forward and challenge him!